Count on Kolkata Knight Riders pacer Harshit Rana to add spice to the cricket pitch with either his bowing abilities or his energetic body language after getting a batsman out. It was both on Tuesday (April 8) against the Lucknow Super Giants. Harshit Rana asked LSG batsman Aiden Markram to leave the ground in a spectacular send-off after clean bowling him, ending a scorching opening stand by Markram and Mitchell Marsh.

Rahane’s Decision Backfires as LSG Openers Dominate

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane‘s choice to bowl first backfired in spectacular fashion as the LSG openers released a deluge of runs, only for Rana to provide life to the defending champions’ fightback.

Marsh Leads the Charge with Blistering Half-Century

Marsh, in scorching form with three fifties this season already, batted the aggressor, slamming 58 from 33 deliveries, two monstrous sixes, and six boundaries. Markram supported him with a calm yet devastating 47 from 28 deliveries, scattering the boundary with four fours and two sixes. Their rampaging attack saw KKR bowlers, led by Spencer Johnson and Vaibhav Arora, stumped for answers, with the scoreboard racing ahead to 99/0 till the 11th over.

Harshit Rana Provides Blistering Send-off to Aiden Markram

The crowd, which was abuzz with excitement, was hushed when KKR’s young pacer Harshit Rana turned the tables. Delivering a cunning slower ball in the 11th over, Rana broke Markram’s defenses, sending his stumps flying as the South African tried an ambitious lofted shot. What ensued was pure drama Rana, full of adrenaline, provided Markram with a blazing send-off, gesturing him towards the dugout with a stare that reflected his ferocity. The moment set off a deafening roar from the KKR faithful, in dire need of a breakthrough after the openers’ rampage.

Slower One does the trick 🪄

Harshit Rana with a 🔝 delivery to break a huge opening stand! 🤌

Aiden Markram departed for a superb 47(28).

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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2025

Marsh Keeps Momentum Alive Despite the Setback

Prior to his removal, Markram’s association with Marsh had left LSG in the driving seat. Marsh, undeterred by the wicket, maintained his carnage, reaching his fourth half-century of the season soon after. His merciless batting, particularly against Sunil Narine whom he hit for a 97-meter six underscored his superiority. By the 13th over, LSG were at 138/1, with Nicholas Pooran joining Marsh to continue the momentum.

Rana’s blow, though, gave KKR a ray of hope. The 23-year-old, infamous for his hot-headed nature, ended with numbers that indicated his contribution, although his economy suffered earlier. For LSG, the early fireworks by Markram and Marsh laid the foundation for a daunting total, giving KKR a tall order to chase under the Kolkata sun. As the game progressed, Rana’s send-off was still the buzz, summing up the high stakes and raw emotion of IPL 2025.